Ethio Cali is a Los Angeles-based Ethio-Jazz ensemble, led by trumpeter, arranger, and composer Todd Simon. The ensemble’s sublime sound is inspired by the golden age of Ethiopian music of the 1960’s and 70’s, filtered through a lens that is uniquely Los Angeles. Acknowledging the diverse musical foundations of Ethio-Jazz, the ensemble also draws inspiration from the rhythmic and melodic textures of Sudan, Somalia, Ghana, and Colombia..

Playing various instruments with Ethio Cali at DJs Rani D and Son Zoo’s monthly event Radio Afrique at Hyperion Tavern on Tuesday, April 8. This monthly features classics and obscurities from the African music diaspora. DJ Son Zoo is a member of Ethio Cali.

Commentary: I arrived late to this show with my brothers and walked into an electric small band show featuring Todd M. Simon on trumpet, Randal Fisher on tenor, Alan Lightner on percussion, Damon Aaron on guitar, Pat Bailey on bass and Te’Amir Sweeney on fiery drums. Whew! It was great to watch EC tear it up. They jammed hard and improvised on Ethio jazz and funk classics and I was blown away. After playing 2 songs on drums (Mowa and Ethio Cali), I retreated to watch them blow through 2 more one of which was a tune I wrote called Azmar. The most heart-warming thing about it was sitting next to Semere-Ab Etmet Yohannes and hearing stories about the azmar region and his grandfather while the band played. Hats off to Sonny and Rani D for a cool night.

"My commitment is to honor global arts and culture through recordings, performance, academia and empowerment. I hope that my various projects and associations inspire all to celebrate our commonalities and differences as one human race."
~ Dexter Story c. 2016

Please direct all serious booking and licensing inquiries to wondemmusic@gmail.com